FAVOURITE TALES FROM THE TALECOAT

TT8
NEW..NEW..NEW. The latest tape from Taffy.

 

 
TALES IN TRUST

TT1
Stories entrusted to Taffy from traditional performers that inspired him, namely Betsy Whyte of Montrose and the legendary Ruth Tongue of Somerset. Two members of Scotland's travelling people, Duncan Williamson and Willie McPhee, sing and play the pipes respectively for the tribute to Betsy Whyte.

 

 

 
TALES FROM THE VALE

TT2
Stories from shepherds' meets and harvest suppers, set in Taffy's adoptive home of the Vale of Grasmere. This tape includes Taffy's much loved "Grasmere Gingerbread Man" in which he affectionately remembers and occasionally insults his fellow villagers.

 

 
THE LITTLE COBBLESTONE MAKER

TT3
A tape dedicated to one of Taffy's main sources of inspiration, Duncan Williamson. Of special note is "Death in a Nut", probably the ultimate bereavement story. There's some fine whistling from Dave Williams and a horrendous ghost story that has Taffy doubling with leading Dorset folk musician, Tim Laycock.

 

 

 
THE MOORS THE MERRIER

TT4
In 1991 Taffy was the North Pennines Storyteller in Residence with the brief of telling and collecting the stories of the region. This tape includes stories told by both Taffy and by local folk, including the wonderful Maud Coulthard of Ireshopeburn, Weardale, and a particularly lively group of teenagers from Allendale School.

 

 
RAINDROPS AND BIRDPLOPS

TT5
A real family tape including many of Taffy's most popular tales. "Finn and Oonagh" is ably performed with All Britain Champion Irish piper, Steafan Hannigan, and the "Pinch of Snuff" with the redoubtable musical talents of Ron and Miriam Kavana.

 

 
TAKE THESE CHAINS FROM MY HEART

TT6
A unique biographical programme charting Taffy's progress from Fire Eater to leading Storyteller via a massive stroke. This show, which was written by Jim Woodland, has more laughter than tears and is heartening for anyone who has suffered major illness.

 

 
AND HE'S BROUGHT HIS OWN GIANT

TT7
Another real family tape, the sequel to "Raindrops and Birdplops". One side of magic stories (Giants, Unicorns and Talking Trees) and one side of morality stories (Saints and Sheep Thieves). The tales are interspersed with songs and music from Taffy's friends, including Bob Davenport, Mike Harding, Aimee Thomas, Jenny Gardner, Steafan Hannigan, Tim Laycock, Sue Pemsel, Sileas and Sam (Chipolata) Thomas.